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IN INTERVIEW
Joan Joao: Turning Nostalgia Into Masterpieces
Joan Joao is a 23-year-old Chilean visual artist whose bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid use of color bring a unique emotional intensity to his work. From soccer-inspired imagery to nostalgic symbols like swans, Joan’s paintings reflect a raw yet personal exploration of identity, memory, and connection.
In collaboration with Clos Normand, we were proud to host Joan at Third Place for his first European exhibition in November 2024, where his art captivated everyone who experienced it. After the exhibition, we sat down with Joan to discuss his creative journey, the influence of his Chilean roots, and the stories behind his work.
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Who are you?
Hi, my name is Joan João. I’m a visual artist from Chile and I’m 23 years old. This is my first exhibition in Europe.
How would you describe your art in 3 words?
Gestural, expressive and chromatic.
Who or what inspired you to start creating?
I think it was probably my grandmother and a classmate from school who was a few years older than me. They were the first people I saw drawing or painting, and they sparked my curiosity for art.
How has growing up in Chile influenced your artistic style and the themes you explore in your work?
I think that over time, especially now, there are more and more painters in Chile, and the opportunity to showcase my work or travel with my art motivates other young people to pursue their goals. It’s inspiring to see that hard work pays off. On the other hand, I believe it’s incredibly important to build a personal identity and not be afraid to show yourself to the world.
What’s a hidden detail in your work that only you know about?
I think the fact that I always use thick brushes and never use thin ones. That could be a good hint.
Is there a sports moment that changed or inspired you?
When I was a kid, my friends and I used to go to internet cafés to watch videos together. We’d watch a lot of clips from the 2006 World Cup, especially of the Brazilian national team. But personally, what I remember most from my childhood is the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and how exciting it was to watch the games at school. Seeing the national team play was incredibly thrilling.
Do swans have a special meaning for you?
Yes! Swans remind me of my grandmother and my mother. I’m a very nostalgic person, and being far from them makes me miss them a lot. Swans are a way for me to carry them with me. Also, I associate swans with romance and love. When I’ve experienced relationships, I’ve often linked those feelings to swans. I guess I’m a very romantic person, and that’s why I cherish them so much.
What’s a piece you’re most proud of?
Probably one from my 2023 exhibition, “Joga Bonito”. There was a big painting featured on the main wall, and I have a personal connection to it. That piece made me realize I could paint on a much larger scale, not just smaller works. I also really liked another piece from that show featuring swans — it’s very dear to me as well.
How was your experience with your first European exhibition? We heard that your initial paintings didn’t arrive in time and you had to paint all day and night to ensure the exhibition!
Honestly, just arriving here was already incredibly motivating. Knowing the exhibition was only days away gave me an extra push. It was exhausting at times, but also extremely rewarding. I’m a pretty optimistic person, and I trust that things will work out, so I stayed focused. It was a mix of adrenaline and stress, but in the end, everything turned out great. The location was amazing, and the positive reactions from the people made me very happy.
What surprised you about being in Europe for the first time?
First of all, Zurich is an incredibly beautiful city. The architecture, how well the city functions, the efficiency of the transport system, and the overall quality of life are all amazing. The landscapes are stunning — being able to have the sea on one side and the countryside on the other is incredible. The seasons also surprised me. Right now, it’s very cold, but I hear summers can get really warm. Experiencing those changes in seasons is something I’d love to see more of.
What is your personal "third place"?
Well, that’s a great question. I’ve always felt connected to the number three; I even have it tattooed! So, being here felt like a bit of magic. If I had to answer, I’d say sports are my third place. A space where you don’t overthink and just feel and enjoy. For me, soccer or sports, in general, represent that kind of escape. If not sports, then literature and books are another kind of third place for me, very comforting and inspiring.
What is your message to the world?
I think we all have something special within us, and the key is to discover it and share it with the world in a way that feels true to who you are. Hopefully, it’s through something that sparks true curiosity in you.
We were honored to host Joan at Third Place for his first European exhibition, and it’s clear to us that his talent is extraordinary. His vision, passion, and authenticity set him apart, and we have no doubt he is destined to become a significant figure in the art world. All the best & see you soon at Third Place, Joao!
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